A Real-life Miracle for Those Suffering from Lipedema

I have had two procedures with Dr. Su: 1. Lower leg, knee-complex, and ankle (May 9, 2024) and 2. 360 thighs (March 6, 2025). I have been diagnosed with lipedema and before my lower-leg procedure, I had substantially disporportionate lower legs. I am attaching a picture that shows how different my legs looked immediately after completing one lower leg and another picture that shows the back of my legs prior to having any surgery. Lipedema impacted my mobility, caused physical discomfort, and emotional distress. I can confirm that lengthy adherence to extreme diets did make me lose weight, but never around the areas most impacted by lipedema, like my ankles (I could not wear wide-leg boots even when I weighted under 130 lbs at 5'7"). The only way I could wear ankle boots was to leave them unzipped under a pair of jeans. 46 years old at the time of my first surgery, there were some doctors who refused to work with me based purely on my age. Furthermore, though I had been told I had stage 2 lipedema, Dr. Su felt that I was moving toward stage 3. I feel so blessed to have discovered Dr. Su in time to safely have these procedures. I was definitely losing the battle with this progressive disease, despite my long-term dedication to a healthy diet. Less than a year after my first procedure, I can confirm that my mobility and gait improved dramatically following the first procedure. For years, it was difficult for me to walk more than 1 consecutive mile. I can now walk a great deal more than 1 mile at a time. I also used to find it very difficult to exercise well. I now love using my rebounder. Surprisingly, my resless legs also improved dramatically following the first procedure. Going into the first surgery, I told myself that I wasn't doing this to impress anyone with my looks...that I just wanted to be able to improve and keep my mobility, but I admit that I am shocked by how much nicer my legs look. I used to dread anyone seeing a glimpse of my ankles, because I would always get well-meaining comments like, "Oh, my goodness. Your ankles are so swollen. Are you ok?" I have actually bought and worn a few skirts since the first procedure...and I feel remarkably...normal. What a blessing. Perhaps I could bemoan or wish that these procedures had been available to me when I was in my 20's or 30's, but I do think I became a more loving and compassionate person because of these and other challenges I have faced. Still, I am grateful that the time and opportunity arrived for me to shed the lipedema legs. Dr. Su and his team have effectively given me a new life. It has currently only been a few weeks since I had my thighs done. Swollen and bruised at the moment, I can already tell that there is a big difference in my silhouette. Historically, I have not been one for pictures, but I will make sure to provide an update with more pictures after both legs have healed. I want to give a special, "Thank you!" to Nurse Tara Hall. She was wonderful during both procedures. She was gentle and compassionate throughout. Also, I had a reaction to this most recent surgery (at no fault to Dr. Su and his team). I was unable to hold down any food, liquids, or medications the first night and the following morning after the 360 thighs treatment. Though, they provided me with nausea medication, it just wasn't working. By the following day, I was terribly dehydrated and near to passing out. I was late to my follow-up (where the garments are supposed to be changed) as a result. When I arrived, Nurse Tara came to my rescue in a big way. She immediately called Dr. Su and they got me set up with IV fluids and vitamins. She was calm and soothing during this scary and stressful moment. Then, Nurse Tara stayed well past closing and made sure I had eaten and held down some food before I left. I felt confident going into my second surgery because the first surgery went well and I loved my results. I feel even more confident recommending Dr. Su and his team to others because when I did have an issue, they took amazing care of me. Thank you for your expertise and artistic skill, Dr. Su! ...and Thank you Nurse Tara for your expertise and big heart!